Epigenetics and Skin Aging: How Lifestyle Shapes Your Skin's Future
When we think about skin ageing, we often think about birthdays. But scientific research is revealing a different reality: the biggest influence on visible skin ageing isn't simply the passing of time—it's the way we live.
What is Epigenetics?
Every day, our skin responds to our environment and lifestyle choices. Sun exposure, pollution, lack of sleep, stress, diet and physical activity all interact with our skin and can influence how it ages over time.
Epigenetics is the scientific study of how lifestyle and environmental factors influence the way our genes are expressed—without changing our DNA.
What is Epi-Ageing?
Epi-Ageing refers to the acceleration of visible skin ageing caused by lifestyle and environmental aggressors rather than chronological age alone.
Common epi-ageing accelerators include:
- UV exposure
- Pollution
- Lack of sleep
- Chronic stress
- Tobacco consumption
- Alcohol consumption
- Poor nutrition
- Sedentary lifestyle
Over time, these external factors can contribute to the appearance of:
- Fine lines and wrinkles
- Dullness
- Uneven skin tone
- Visible pores
- Loss of firmness
- Reduced skin radiance
Clarins unveils a transformative breakthrough in anti-ageing: the Epi-Aging Defense technology. This innovation harnesses the power of potent organic giant provençal reed extract,* helping to neutralise 100%2 of the epigenetics modifications linked to lifestyle.
Why Did Clarins Study More Than 60 Twins?
Although identical twins share the same genetic makeup, they do not always age in the same way. Clarins conducted a clinical study involving more than 60 pairs of twins1 to better understand why these differences appear over time. The research showed that lifestyle-induced epigenetic changes can significantly accelerate the visible signs of skin ageing—a phenomenon Clarins defines as Epi-Ageing.
Which Double Serum is right for you?
A trio of powerful, yet evanescent natural plant oils for:
- Silky texture
- Luminous finish
- No oily residue
- All ages, all genders, all ethnicities, all skin types
Ultra-sensorial, lightweight, easily absorbed:
- Lighter feel2
- Weightless, bare-skin finish
- Great for warm or humid climates
- Recommended for combination so oily skin + men
Discover 40 yeears of Clarins Double Serum
What Are the Five Pillars of Ageing Well?
Explore the five core pillars conceptualised by Dr Olivier Courtin, General Manager of Clarins and learn to navigate the environmental factors that influence your natural beauty.
1. Balanced Mediterranean-style nutrition
A diet rich in fruits, vegetables, healthy fats and quality proteins helps provide the nutrients needed to support overall skin health. The Mediterranean diet is often associated with healthy ageing thanks to its abundance of antioxidants and beneficial nutrients.
2. Regular physical activity
Regular exercise helps support circulation, overall wellbeing and healthy biological functions. Even moderate daily movement can make a difference.
3. Effective stress management
Stress is an unavoidable part of life, but chronic stress may contribute to visible signs of ageing. Taking time to reconnect with nature, practice mindfulness, read, meditate or simply slow down can support both emotional wellbeing and skin comfort.
4. Positive human connections
Social interactions contribute to emotional balance and overall wellness. Taking time to connect with loved ones supports a healthier and more positive lifestyle.
5. A positive mindset
Optimism, laughter and gratitude are powerful wellbeing tools. A positive outlook helps foster healthier habits and supports a more balanced lifestyle overall.
How Does Epigenetics Change the Way We Think About Skin Ageing?
Epigenetics is changing the way we understand skin ageing.
Rather than seeing aging as something predetermined, we now recognise that many daily choices influence how our skin looks and feels over time.
By embracing healthy lifestyle habits, protecting skin from environmental aggressors and adopting a proactive skincare routine, you can help support your skin’s natural resilience and longevity.
Because beautiful skin isn’t simply about age. It’s about helping your skin thrive at every stage of life.
¹At Clarins. - 2In-vitro test on fibroblast culture exposed to UV & pollution - 3 - Comparative consumer test 112 women (vs. Double Serum) - 28 days
Any questions? Our experts are here for you
Epi-ageing: definition and concept
Epi-ageing is defined by Clarins as the acceleration of skin's ageing process due to lifestyle and environmental factors such as UV exposure, pollution, and consumption of tobacco and alcohol. Our research shows how these factors modify skin cell epigenetics, with a significant 44%2 increase in DNA-binding chemical structures that deactivate essential genes. The result is a pronounced appearance of the six signs of ageing. Forehead lines, dullness, visible pores, uneven skin tone, nasolabial folds, and sagging skin (ptosis).
How does the Double Serum help fight the effects of epigenetics on your skin?
Clarins’ Research proves for the first time that it is possible to challenge the effects of epi-ageing2. Through epigenetic studies, Clarins developed a cutting-edge technology called Epi-ageing Defense, designed to target the signs of ageing caused by lifestyle and environmental factors. Clarins’ Epi-ageing Defense technology helps to reinforce your skin against ageing accelerators of modern life. The organic Giant Provence Reed extract fights against the daily environmental skin damage. This innovative formula is designed to boost the skin’s vital functions, fight the effects of ageing and enhance the skin's barrier function.
What makes Clarins stand out in the natural origin skin care industry?
For over 70 years, Clarins has been at the forefront of the European natural origin skin care industry, earning trust through a steadfast commitment to safety and the efficacy of our products. Our formulas, each subjected to over 250 tests & quality controls for every product, embody our dedication to prioritising natural origin ingredients. Celebrated for our use of more than 200 natural plant extracts, we meticulously select each for its benefits to skin beauty and sensory appeal. We pioneer skin care innovation, developing luxurious, plant-based skin care that caters to your ever changing beauty needs. Our relentless pursuit of discovering potent botanical ingredients has secured our position as the leading European brand for natural skin care solutions.* *Source: NPD BeautyTrends, total sales of 5 countries: France, Italy, Spain, Germany and UK, products sold in Perfumeries and Department Stores, Luxury brands, sales in value (€), over the period January 2022 to December 2022.
How does Clarins give back to nature?
Clarins is committed to respecting nature and protecting biodiversity. We support local communities and purchase our raw materials in accordance with fair trade principles. Clarins priorities the health of ecosystems by sustainably harvesting Giant Provence Reed through our DRAGONFLY programme, which actively protects biodiversity. By choosing to protect the dragonfly, an emblem of ecological integrity, we commit to a five-year plan to restore and preserve the wetlands in France. Our innovations help to make life more beautiful, passing on a more beautiful planet.
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